Foot-related sports injuries are extremely common, due to overuse and repetitive strain on the feet. Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis are two of the most common of these injuries. Counterintuitively, those of us that only play sports on the weekends have a greater risk of suffering from heel and tendon injuries. Orthotics can help reduce the odds that you’ll get hurt. If you jog, play tennis or basketball, or do any kind of high ground impact activity, you should consider getting fitted for orthotics. Custom made for your foot, they will meet your specific foot needs, and prevent further foot injury.

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain, but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Cherry Hill, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are growths on the feet caused by a virus. The virus can be contracted in moist, warm environments like gym locker rooms or around an indoor pool. If you have cuts on your feet take extra special care to avoid any contact with these surfaces. Make sure to change your socks everyday and never share them with others. Plantar warts are typically not painful at first, but as they grow they can hurt when you walk. If you notice the wart while it is small, there are various types of home remedies that may be effective. However, once the plantar wart grows larger, a podiatrist will be your best option.

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

Legions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy

Hard or thick callused spots

Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots

Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

Freezing

Electric tool removal

Laser Treatment

Topical Creams (prescription only)

Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Cherry Hill, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There is no shortage of annoying health problems in the world. Whether it be a mild cough or a case of the hiccups that seems to never go away, there is probably some sort of remedy available. Foot blisters are one of these such annoyances. They seem to be most common after buying a new pair of shoes. If the shoes are too small, or just don’t fit your foot in the right way, you might have blisters in your near future. If your feet rub against the shoe too much, a blister will likely form. If this happens, make sure to treat the affected area with antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a bandage. If the condition persists, it may be time to go shoe shopping again.

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Cherry Hill, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

While an exciting inaugural week has passed for staffers in Washington, Senator Susan Collins was not able to hit the dance floor in celebration due to a broken ankle. In December Collins injured herself after falling on ice at her home in Maine. Spokeswoman Annie Clark stated Collins has been using a motorized scooter at the Capitol, but has been able to get around on crutches. Despite her improvements, the senator had to reduce her involvement in the inauguration since there is still no reasonably accurate time frame on when her ankle will be healed.

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle

Swelling around the area

Bruising of the area

Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Cherry Hill, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.